A group of brave Grant Countians once again will be “freezin’ for a reason” to raise money for the Special Olympics of Kentucky.

File Photo

2010 Polar Bear Plunge in Lexington

At least 13 people dubbing themselves the Grant County Frosty’s will jump into a pool of ice cold water in frigid temperatures Feb. 5 at Joe’s Crab Shack in Bellevue for the 2011 Polar Bear Plunge.

The fundraiser, which is held at six locations statewide, has been going strong for 13 years.

The 2010 Polar Plunge season was a record-setting year in Kentucky with nearly 2,500 people hitting pools, lakes and rivers throughout the state. Those polar bears raised a whopping $618,300, easily surpassing 2009’s mark of $510,000.

In the 13 years since the first Plunge was held in Louisville, events have raised more than $4 million for Special Olympics programs statewide.

The Grant County Frosty’s raised more than $750 last year, said Beverly Bass of the Grant County Special Olympics.

“The polar plunges are a great way to have fun with friends, family and co-workers,” Bass said. “You can buddy up with others to jump with you. Watching the plunge last year was a great experience. Seeing all the people get together to show their support for such a wonderful cause was very heartwarming.”

Bass is sponsoring her two nieces, and her son, Zach, a student at Mason-Corinth Elementary, who will be taking the plunge for the first time.

Another plunge will take place Feb. 19 at Texas Roadhouse in Lexington.

The Williamstown High School Friendship Foundation has more than 20 students signed up to participate in the event.

The group has plunged in Lexington the past two years.

Hannah Hatchett of Corinth, who raised $333, also was named Princess of the Plunge in 2010 during the Lexington event.

Bass, who organizes Grant County Special Olympics sports teams, said some changes to the calendar have been made.

Special Olympics Kentucky will be moving soccer from the spring to the fall season to make way for the new sport of flag football.

In late February, Bass said she will be signing up athletes for flag football. Anyone interested in coaching, can contact Bass at 859-322-7366 or beverlyfbass@yahoo.com.